Terroir
When it comes to wine, place matters
Wine grapes have an amazing ability to draw flavors and
attributes from the place where the vines grow. Put your nose in
one glass of red wine and you might get flavors of black cherry and
anise. Taste the same variety from a different vineyard and you
could get subtle hints of pine and spice.
Indeed, many natural aspects of a place affect the quality of
both grapes and wine: soil types, climate, location, and
topography, to name a few. The French call these collective aspects
terroir. In Oregon, we refer to this as our "sense of place."
Oregon has many different "places" here
The state is blessed with one of the most diverse geo-climates
in the world. Vintners can successfully grow superb cool- and
warm-climate varieties, all within one state. And Oregon's varied
geological legacy has created a diversity of soil types perfectly
suited for growing high-quality grapes.
Within just one growing region, visitors can taste and compare a
huge variety of exquisite wines. But, you be the judge. Oregon's
tasting rooms are open.